Pentagon blows $50B on luxury food, items ahead of fiscal year deadline; FBI Epstein files compromised by foreign hacker; Trump bashes Newsom & Massie, endorses Jake Paul; and more | 3.12.26 - Rising Recap

Podcast: Rising

Published: 2026-03-12

Duration: 50 min

Summary

The episode covers shocking Pentagon spending, a foreign hack into FBI Epstein files, and Trump's latest political maneuvers, including his endorsement of Jake Paul.

What Happened

The episode opens with a discussion on a government spending watchdog report revealing that the Pentagon spent over $93 billion in September 2025, with $50 billion on non-essential luxury items including steaks and furniture, sparking criticism from Democrats. Some defended the spending as necessary for troop morale, while others called for fiscal responsibility.

Another major topic was the foreign hacker breaching FBI files related to Jeffrey Epstein in 2023. The breach was reportedly not by a government but an individual hacker who stumbled upon sensitive material, raising questions about data security and the potential for blackmail.

The hosts discuss Trump's recent rally in Kentucky, where he criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for admitting to dyslexia and targeted Congressman Thomas Massie, who has been critical of Trump's policies. Trump's endorsement of Jake Paul for a potential political career was also highlighted, drawing mixed reactions.

Trump's sons' involvement in a drone company and the potential conflict of interest with the administration's defense policies were scrutinized. The hosts debated whether personal financial incentives are influencing U.S. foreign policy, particularly related to the ongoing war with Iran.

The episode also touched on the broader issue of government efficiency and spending, questioning whether the 'use it or lose it' policy leads to unnecessary expenditures at the end of fiscal years.

Finally, the hosts reflected on the political landscape, noting Axios's argument that Americans are not as polarized as portrayed by social media. They discussed how most Americans are not as engaged with political extremes, suggesting a disconnect between online narratives and real-world sentiments.

Key Insights

• The Pentagon's $50 billion expenditure on luxury items like steaks and furniture in September 2025 triggered a debate on fiscal responsibility versus troop morale. Critics argue that such spending is wasteful, while some defend it as essential for maintaining morale among military personnel.
• In 2023, a foreign hacker breached FBI files related to Jeffrey Epstein not as part of a government operation, but as an individual stumbling upon sensitive data. This incident raises serious concerns about the security of high-profile cases and the potential for such information to be used in blackmail.
• Trump's endorsement of Jake Paul for a political career at a Kentucky rally reflects a blending of entertainment and politics that resonates differently with audiences. While some see it as a savvy move to engage younger voters, others view it as a sign of the trivialization of political discourse.
• The 'use it or lose it' policy in government budgeting may incentivize unnecessary spending, as seen with the Pentagon's end-of-fiscal-year splurge. This practice often leads to a rush to spend remaining funds, highlighting inefficiencies in how government budgets are managed.

Key Questions Answered

What did the Pentagon spend $93 billion on in 2025?

The Pentagon spent over $93 billion in September 2025, with $50 billion on luxury items such as steaks, lobsters, and furniture. This spending spree was reportedly an effort to use up the budget before the fiscal year ended.

How was the FBI Epstein file hack discovered?

The FBI discovered the breach when an agent found a text from a hacker on the system, warning that the network was compromised. The hack occurred in February 2023 at the Child Exploitation Forensics Lab.

Why did Trump endorse Jake Paul at a Kentucky rally?

Trump endorsed Jake Paul at a rally in Kentucky due to Paul's courage and potential for a future political career. This endorsement was part of a broader rally where Trump also criticized political figures like Gavin Newsom and Thomas Massie.